Community Notebook

Ricker Rumblings
By Lois Downing
Greetings to everyone on this beautiful June day!
This is the time of year when we hold graduations, anniversaries, get-togethers, reunions family and class, weddings. etc. Have fun and get home safely from all these occasions. Congratulations to all involved.
    In the community room at Ricker Plaza, an open house will be held on Saturday, June 20 in honor of Marion Hogan’s 90th birthday. The tenants and friends are invited. Come and enjoy. The time is 2-4 p.m.
Heard from the grapevine that Dorothy Maher (Mahar) is celebrating 100 years. “Dot” used to live here and spent several years in Houlton, but a few years ago returned to her former home in Calais. Hooray for Dot and many more birthdays. Dot was a W.T. Grant employee at one time and also a bowler. If you wish Dot’s address, it’s 41 Baring Street, Calais, Me.
Jean Adams of North Street has returned there after surgery at Houlton Regional Hospital.
Dewey DeWitt is our latest tenant. He’s on the third floor vacated by Lester Burns, whom I understand has moved to Millinocket. Dewey, I’m told, is well known in this area. May his stay be a long and enjoyable one.
What about the Red Sox? Have you seen them play recently? Among the fans here are Alfred McCluskey, Marion Hogan, Lois Downing, Priscilla Brownlow and I’m sure there are many more.
People are talking about the tornado that hit the “other part of Maine” recently, above Caribou, I’m told. Did you hear the storm of Saturday night. We all can say lots about the weather.
The Bingo ladies have taken a break for the summer.
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Christina Stevens of Patten. Christina was a wonderful lady. She was a great help to Rev. George Hickey, when he was pastor at Benedicta. Our love and sympathy to all her family and friends.
Joyce Miller and Shirley Nason were in Presque Isle for a visit one day last week.
If you see Fr. David Raymond, wish him a happy anniversary. He’s observing his sixth year in the priesthood. Deacon Al Burleight has a fifth year as Deacon. God bless them both.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and guardians. The day comes on us so quickly, I thought I would get the statement in early.
Nicholas Hogan, son of Thomas and Carrie Hogan, has graduated from his high school in New Hampshire and received five scholarships. He plans to enter the University of New Hampshire in the fall. Nicholas is the grandson of Marion Hogan.
My saying for the day is: “We do the work of angels when we reach out to someone.”
Have a good week.

Happy Losers
Shirley Sides
On June 3 the weekly meeting of the Happy Losers was held at the Congregational Church vestry in Island Falls. We always open our meeting with our pledge and roll call and we have our ups and downs exercise.
We had 11 ladies weigh-in and nine attended our class. Jackie Pratt was loser for the week, and Shirley Sides was runner-up Great job ladies.
Reports were given by our secretary and treasurer for the week. We welcomed Jane back to our group for the summer.
Riva Hawkes led the program. Her topic was on an article from the Prevention Magazine, called A Fat loss formula. Meetings are informative and interesting.
Please feel welcome to our group every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. until 8:45. Weigh-ins and meeting starts at 9 a.m. Call 365-4884 for more information. See you there. Hi again Phil S.
A special thank you for everyone that attended my birthday party. I really enjoy the plants.

TOPS #233, Houlton
By Lois Downing
Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 233, of Houlton, met at the Aldergate building on High Street for its Friday, June 5 meeting.
Seventeen ladies attended, four were KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).
Linda Bartlett became a new member and  Don Bartlett and Sharon Martin were guests.
The loser of the week was Elinor Harvey with runner-up Barbara Grant.
Aileen Smith was the recipient of the 50/50 drawing; the skinny dish went to Joanne Scott and the mystery gift winner was Barbara Grant.
Janette Nelson gave a financial report and it was well received. Another report, weight recorder’s, was given by Joanne Scott.
Joyce Estey, leader, welcomed everybody and the new member and the guests. Janice Cote, area captain and representative, was our guest speaker also.
Janice answered questions from the members and comments were taken by the members. Janice told us the next workshop will be June 20 with Madawaska hosting in Frenchville. She commented on the financial report given by Janette Nelson as being very good.
Before the meeting, papers were distributed on new contests. The contests, named Miles of Smiles with Tops, Presenting TOPS Humor, Our Brightest Smile, plus other contests, starts soon and will end August 31.
The next meeting will be June 12 at the same location. Weigh-in time is from 8-8:45 a.m.  every Friday morning. The meeting begins at 9 and ends usually at 10 o’clock.
If you need more information about the chapter, you may call Betty Ivey at 532-9653 or Charlotte Marley at 757-8483.
Everyone is welcome.

Patten Seniors
Patten Senior Citizens met at Meadowbrook Manor on June 2, with 12 members and two guests present.
The prayer before the potluck meal was given by Maxine Brackett.
The business meeting was opened by President Jackie Palmer, who also led the Flag Salute.
Secretary and treasurer reports were read and accepted.
Cards were signed and sent to Charlie Curtis, Sharon Long, Judy Smallwood and Mary Willigar.
A reading titled The Beauty of Age was given by Jackie Palmer.
Summer trip plans were discussed.
Gini Garret spoke of the RSVP Recognition and thanked everyone for their participation.
A special Father’s Day celebration is scheduled for the June 16 meeting. Salads, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Joyce Harvey will make the birthday cake. Members are asked to bring a guest.
Hostesses were Maxine Brackett and Marilyn Somers.
Members present were Maxine Brackett, Marilyn Somers, Nettie Shorey, Annette Noyes, Joyce Harvey, Gloria Noyes, Joyce Hunter, Jackie Palmer, Mary Lawler, Jean Tarr, Pearl Grant and Dorothy Binette. Guests were Gini Garrett, RSVP Coordinator and Connie Berry.

Sherman Senior Club
On Wednesday, June 3, the Senior Citizens’ Club of Sherman met. The club is also comprised of members from the surrounding towns of Stacyville, Benedicta and Silver Ridge. Anyone age 55 and up are welcome to join us at the Sherman gym on School Street for a potluck lunch, meetings and camaraderie on the first and third Wednesdays of every month.
For the first of July, we shall drive our own cars to Debbie’s Deli in Patten, as a summer outing special. If anyone needs a ride, get in touch with Annie Atkinson or any member of the group who would be happy to be of assistance. We shall meet at the Irving station I95 parking lot by 11:30 a.m. or earlier, if you estimate that more time is needed for you to be on time to eat at noon. Our group has dropped in attendance lately, for one reason or another, so everyone come.
Present were Annie and Fred Atkinson, Sylvia and Fred Lilley, Eva Berry, Donna Grass, Bonita Staples, Linniea Perry, Esther Greenier, Sandra Qualey, Frances Sleeper and Teresa Albert.

News From Bridgewater
Jann Bonkowski Votaw
The Bridgewater Historical Academy would like to announce that its Wednesday Night Line-Dance lessons will not be held on June 10 or 17 due to town meetings on those nights.
Lessons will continue on Wednesday nights beginning again on June 24. Bring your dancing shoes. All that is required is a donation. The classes begin at 7 until 8:30 p.m. Proceeds from the classes go towards building maintenance.
Practice what you learned Wednesday and Thursday nights at the BHA’s live music night, featuring music from the 50s, 60s, 70s. Music begins at 6 p.m. and continues on until 9. Proceeds from the music night will go towards completing the replacement of the hall’s sound system.
For more information contact Denis Gagne at 429-8290.